“We want 50 million lekë, or…” — Explosive threat in Dibër, the demand was sent to the businessman in a pizza box

A private business in the city of Peshkopia has become the object of a serious threat, after the owner of the business was asked for a sum of 50 million lekë, with the warning that otherwise his business would be blown up.

According to preliminary data, the owner was sent a pizza box, inside which was the demand for payment of the sum of money, together with some materials suspected of possibly constituting a handmade device resembling an explosive.

After the package was noticed, the area at the exit of the city of Peshkopia was surrounded by Police forces, while for about three hours the perimeter was kept under control to guarantee citizens’ safety.

With the arrival of the demining and explosive-neutralisation specialists from Tirana, other security measures were taken, while it is learned that the businesses around the fuel station area were also closed.

Meanwhile, vehicle traffic was diverted and continued via the Peshkopia ring road.

As part of the investigations, several people have been escorted by the Police, while work continues to fully clarify the circumstances and identify the authors of the threat.

Official confirmation from the State Police is awaited on the details of the event and the nature of the materials found.